2024 Schedule of Events
DAILY
DAY & SUNSET SAILS, SNORKEL & DIVE TRIPS, PARASAILING & MORE
Take to the sea aboard a majestic schooner, including Danger, Danger’s Prize, Sarah, Danger’s Pearl, Appledore II, Appledore Star, When & If, Malabar X, Jolly II Rover, Spirit of Independence & America, luxury catamaran Argo Navis or Custom Sloop High Tide.
Book passage with Danger Charters, Sunset Sail Key West, Barefoot Billy’s Watersports, Jolly II Rover, and Spirit of Independence online.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
FRIDAY, APRIL 19TH
CONCHY BEACH CLEANUP Meet at KW Bocce Court parking lot, 1801 White Street, across from Atlantic Ocean and join KW Ploggers, Keep Key West Beautiful & CR Green Ops for this early bird cleanup. FREE.
OPENING CEREMONY & RAISING OF THE COLORS at Mallory Square, 400 Wall St. This light-hearted ceremony celebrates the 42nd anniversary of our independence. Ceremony includes the CR Pledge of Allegiance, Battle Hymn & Conch Shell-Horn Salute.
Visit the CR CIA – Shhh! Counter-Intelligence Party Bus for refreshments. Enjoy live entertainment, with Sir CW Colt, Royal Minstral of the CR. For more info, visit: ConchRepublic.com. FREE.
7:00 PM – LATE
KICK-OFF PARTY & CONCH SHELL BLOWING CONTEST hosted by Schooner Wharf Bar & Galley, 202 William St., Historic Seaport. Party with Pirates & Island Dignitaries. Learn the ‘real history’ behind our Secession! For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
SATURDAY, APRIL 20th
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
2nd Annual STOCK ISLAND EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP Meet at Bernstein Park, 6751 5th Street. Join this community clean-up in honor of Earth Day! Clean-up runs all morning – so stop by when you can. Vests, pokers, and buckets. Adults must accompany children for clean-up. Sponsored by Conch Republic Independence Celebration 2024, I Love Stock Island & Stock Island Assn. FREE
10:00AM – 3:00 PM
14th Annual OCEAN FEST AT TRUMAN WATERFRONT PARK Foot of Southard St. underwater and outdoor enthusiasts, Eco travelers and families are encouraged to celebrate the marine environment at Mote’s Ocean Fest: A Community Celebration. Meet scientists and visit with conservationist, and organizations from around Florida. Benefit for Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral reef restoration and research programs. For More information: Contact Taylor Berard, Lower Keys Community Engagement Coordinator 813-428-2520 or [email protected]
FAMILY PIRATE SAIL ABOARD HISTORIC SCHOONER WHEN & IF, Perry Hotel Marina, 7511 Shrimp Road (board 12:30 PM.) Tickets available at SunsetSailKeyWest.com.
Starting at 1:00 PM
CONCH CRAWL in Old Town Key West Enjoy a libation at seven different historic storied saloons: 801 Bourbon Bar, Mangoes, Kaya Island Eats, Willie Ts, Hank’s Hair of the Dog, Rick’s Downstairs, and Salty Frog’s Bar & Grill, sponsored by Key West Trading Company, Key West First Legal Rum Distillery, Mutiny Island Vodka and Hard Truth Distilling.
The FUN continues at Salty Frog’s Bar & Grill Conch Crawl After Party with live music, giveaways and food specials (4PM-7PM.) Sponsored by Liquor Split. CHECK IN starting at 1PM at 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval. For more info, email: [email protected]
Conch Crawl EARLY BIRD Advanced Tickets $45 until April 18, and $55 at 1PM Registration, 801 Bourbon Bar. Crawl tickets available online include seven drinks (one at each stop), Salty Frog’s After Party and…a complimentary Conch Crawl T-shirt (while supply lasts.) CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
40TH Annual CR DRAG RACES ON DUVAL at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St. Don your high heels & best frock and enter… or cheer on the hottest drag queens as they go heel to heel for a series of races & obstacle courses. For more info, call: 305 747 0343.
**FREE. SIGN UP AT EVENT ONLY. EVENT POSTER
PIRATE SAIL ABOARD HISTORIC SCHOONER WHEN & IF, Perry Hotel Marina, 7511 Shrimp Road (board 6:00 PM.) Tickets available at SunsetSailKeyWest.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 21st
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
40th Annual CONCH REPUBLIC ART & CRAFT STREET FAIR ON DUVAL, between Eaton & Greene. Purchase one-of-a-kind artworks from local artists you’ll treasure for a lifetime. For more info, visit: SunsetCelebration.org. FREE.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
PARTY LIKE A CONCH STAR, Gates Hotel, 3820 N Roosevelt Blvd. Enjoy FUN in the sun and party like a Conch Star and enjoy drink specials and DJ. Sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka and Liquor Split. FREE (Cash Bar.)
JAZZ IN THE GARDENS, at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
SAIL WITH THE CR HIGH COMMAND, ABOARD HISTORIC SCHOONER WHEN & IF, Perry Hotel Marina, 7511 Shrimp Road (board 6:00 PM.) Tickets available at SunsetSailKeyWest.com
MONDAY, APRIL 22nd
SAIL INTO HISTORY WITH KEYS HISTORIAN COREY MALCOM, PHD, ABOARD HISTORIC SCHOONER WHEN & IF, Perry Hotel Marina, 7511 Shrimp Road (board 6:00 PM.) Tickets available at SunsetSailKeyWest.com
TUESDAY APRIL 23rd
CONCH REPUBLIC MILITARY MUSTER & CONCH-TAIL PARTY on the Truman Waterfront Pier, next to the Ingham, foot of Southard St. Bend elbows with CR Military Admirals, Generals, Ambassador & Island Dignitaries. Sip Truth Serum and enjoy an “Auborne Skies.” The CIA-Sshhh! Cuties in Action and 82nd Auborne will be aiding and abetting on behalf of the Wesley House CR Foster Children’s Fund and the Flagship WOLF Preservation Society. Sponsored by Jersey Mike’s and Key West First Legal Rum Distillery.Stop by their COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE PARTY BUS for refreshing beverages.
Enjoy live entertainment featuring Sir CW Colt and Dani Hoy, and a 50/50 Raffle. For more info, email: [email protected]. LIMITED EARLY BIRD Tickets are $15 ($20 at the door) and include Muster & Ceremony seating, C-Rations and a Truth Serum Conch-Tail. CLICK HERE for tickets.
42ND INDEPENDENCE DAY CEREMONY at Truman Waterfront Pier, Foot of Southard. Celebrate with CR Military Brass and Dignitaries, and enjoy live entertainment featuring Sir CW Colt and Dani Hoy.
Ceremony includes Conch Shell Salute, CR Pledge of Allegiance, CR Battle Hymn, Cannon Fire, and 21 Gun Salute. Advanced reserved Ceremony & Muster Conch-Tail Party seating available.
For more info, email: [email protected]. LIMITED EARLY BIRD Tickets are $15 ($20 at the door) and include Muster & Ceremony seating, C-Rations and a Truth Serum Conch-Tail. CLICK HERE for tickets.
MANDATORY CAPTAINS’ MEETING CR NAVAL PARADE at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William Street, KW Historic Seaport & Harbor Walk. Meet with event organizers to review pre-parade staging and line up and pick up complimentary CR flags from Secretary of State, CDRE James Gilleran, CRN. FREE (Cash Bar).
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24th
HOT HAVANA NIGHT DANCE PARTY WITH CARIBE OF KEY WEST at The Backyard Bar at Kaya, 628 Duval St. Salsa the night away and enjoy RUM cocktails, Cuban Cuisine and cigars under the stars. WIN A TRIP TO CUBA! Bid on authentic Cuban Treasures. Sponsored by The Backyard Bar at Kaya, Rent KW Vacations, KW First Legal Rum Distillery and Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shoppe.
Proceeds benefit TREE Institute Int’l and Flagship WOLF Preservation Society. For more info, email: [email protected]. *EARLY Bird Tickets starting at $20 available. Reserve YOUR PRIVATE TABLE online in advance. CLICK Here for tickets.
THURSDAY, APRIL 25th
CR FARMERS MARKET at Truman Waterfront Park, foot of Southard St. Shop fresh produce, specialty foods, unique handmade arts & crafts. Enjoy live music at the TikiMan.com Tent. For more info, visit: KeysArtisanMarket.com FREE
PARADE PRE-PARTY & CR MILITARY COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, at The Mansion on the Sea, 1400 Duval St. Mingle with Admirals, Generals, Pirates and Parade Participants. Enjoy live music and celebratory libations with a spectacular ocean view.
Sponsored by The Mansion on the Sea and Conch Republic Military Forces. For more info, visit: ConchRepublic.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
WORLD’S LOOOOONGEST PARADE on Duval. This world-famous, quirky, and colorful parade celebrates our CR Independence and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, ending at Schooner Wharf Bar, KW Historic Seaport.
Come early and meet parade participants and their unique & quirky modes of transport. Parade musters at 7:00 PM. FREE
REGISTER YOUR float, marching unit, or vehicle and join the Parade! SIGN UP ONLINE!
EVENT POSTER | LINK TO SIGN UP FORM PDF SIGN UP JPG
PARADE AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY, at Schooner Wharf Bar, ‘Official CRIC 2024 Party Headquarters,’ 202 William St., Historic Seaport. Dance to great live music under the stars, mingle with CR Dignitaries & Military High Command, Pirates & Patriots.
Parade prizes for Best “Conch-cept,” Most Original & Most Creative parade entries. For info, visit SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar.)
FRIDAY, APRIL 26th
7:00 PM
42ND Annual CR INDEPENDENCE NAVAL PARADE, in Key West Harbor. Watch the majestic CR Naval Fleet, Privateers, Charter Boats, and Private vessels sail past Mallory Square Sunset Celebration, then cheer them on as they ready themselves for battle.
View from shore, book passage on a passenger boat for the parade, or join the parade in your own vessel,
decked out with colorful Conch Republic flags and celebrate 42 Years of FUN-Dependence at sea! FREE.
**SIGN YOUR VESSEL UP & JOIN FUN! ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 20.
EVENT POSTER LINK TO SIGN UP FORM
Conch Republic Navy Vessel Commission Certificate | Conch Republic Navy Sailor Commision Certificate
42nd Annual REENACTMENT OF THE GREAT SEA BATTLE OF THE CONCH REPUBLIC, In, alongside and above Key West Harbor the Battle is a highlight of our celebration. This large scale, hilarious harbor battle pits the CR’s Military Forces (Air Force, Army & Navy), along with CR Privateers of all shapes and sizes, against their valiant foe – non-other than a United States Coast Guard Cutter. Sponsored Conch Republic Military Forces, USCG Station Key West & TikiManRadio.com
Best viewing at Mallory Square Sunset Celebration. FREE (Cash Bar.)
42nd Annual “SURRENDER CEREMONY & VICTORY PARTY” CONCH REPUBLIC SEA BATTLE at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., Historic Seaport. Witness the hilarious ‘Tongue-in-Cheek’ Surrender Ceremony of the US Coasties, to the CR Armed Forces – “A Farce to be Reckoned With!” For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
SATURDAY, APRIL 27th
42nd Annual CONCH REPUBLIC BLUE RIBBON BED RACES, 801 Duval St. Said to be “The most fun you can have with your clothes on,” this zany race takes place on Duval between Olivia and Southard. Put together your own team and decorate a bed to compete for prizes in this hilarious race.
Come early to meet the teams and stroll the crazy, colorful beds competing for the ‘BLUE RIBBON.’ Proceeds benefit Key West’s Sister Season, “Locals Helping Locals.” Registration 1-3, Race at 3 PM, Awards Ceremony at 6 PM. For more info, visit: SisterSeason.org.
ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS FEB 20. EVENT POSTER | SIGN UP FORM
1st Annual CONCH REPUBLIC BRAWL ON DUVAL Amateur Boxing Match for KW PAL (Police Activities Leauge), 200 Block of Duval, corner of Greene. VIP Tickets for Ringside and Balcony Seating at Rick’s available online. For more info, email [email protected].
39th ANNUAL “SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS CUP RACE SERIES” CAPTAINS’ MEETING at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., KW Historic Seaport. Mandatory meeting for April 28 race in the Sail Loft. To sign up, or for more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
37th Annual PIRATE BALL & COSTUME CONTEST at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., Key West Historic Seaport. Yo Ho Ho! And a Bottle of Rum – It’s a Pirate’s Life for You!
Witness swashbuckling sword play, enjoy sea shanties. Live Music, food & drink, For more info, SchoonerWharf.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
SUNDAY, APRIL 28th
**NEW EVENT** 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
KEY WEST ARTISAN MARKET at Higgs Beach, 1801 White St. Where the locals meet to shop local artists, specialty food vendors, and enjoy live music. FREE. For more info, visit: KeysAritisanMarket.com.
39th Annual Schooner Wharf WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP RACE SERIES to Sand Key Lighthouse with the Schooner Wharf Wreckers Fleet. Or enter your own vessel in the final race of the 2020 season!
Enjoy a delightful afternoon at sea on the waters off Key West aboard a majestic schooner, sloop, or multi-hull. This ‘all-in-fun race series’ recalls the tradition of the wreckers during the 1800s. Best viewing. for Race Start is at Mallory Square. For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com.
JAZZ IN THE GARDENS, at The Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St. The d’vine Wine Gallery, set amongst an enchanting tropical garden, is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to great live music with world renowned jazz artists. For more info, visit: GardensHotel.com. FREE (Cash Bar).
37th Annual SCHOONER WHARF WRECKERS RACE SERIES CUP “AWARDS PARTY AND CEREMONY, at Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., KW Historic Seaport. View video of the race while enjoying a BBQ dinner and live music.
Prizes given to the first-place finishers in each of six classes: Schooner, Classic, Multihull, Monohull (29′, Under, 30′-40′ and 40′ and over.) For more info, visit: SchoonerWharf.com.
